FAQ’s

Donation Facts:

Why should I consider anatomical donation?

Your gift will help people live longer, healthier lives – lives filled with memories, independence, and opportunities. Through whole body donation, you are supporting research on diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and heart and neurological conditions. In addition, your gift contributes to the development of life saving drugs, creation of new surgical implant devices, and the education of the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Am I eligible to donate?

Anatomical donation for medical research and education can be an option even when transplantation is not. Donors must be at least 18 years of age, and those with specific diseases such as cancer, emphysema, or heart disease can be donors. While factors related to age, disease, or state of health do not eliminate an individual from being a donor, they may affect the type of tissues that be can be used. For the protection and safety of the recovery staff and the medical community, we are not able to accept donors with HIV, hepatitis B and C, or active tuberculosis.

The final decision on donation acceptance can only be made based on the potential donor’s physical state of health at the time of death.

How does donation process work?

Donation normally takes place within 24 hours of death. The donation process includes:

No cost associated with anatomical donation.

Transportation of the donor from anywhere in the continental U.S.

Filing of a legally required original death certificate.

Family assistance through the aftercare process.

A summary packet for the family, outlining the benefits of their loved one’s gift.

Cremated remains are returned to the family within 4-6 weeks of donation. We treat all our donors and donor families with the utmost care, dignity, and respect.

Why should I choose LifeLegacy?

LifeLegacy Foundation was established in 1997 as the only federally approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks. Our commitment to the highest level of ethical and quality standards affirms our integrity and commitment to do what is best for our donors, our donors’ families, our clients, and the community. We set the industry standard that our donor families have come to trust, and only place donations with approved and well-respected academic, corporate, and government research and education institutions around the world.

How do I become a donor?

Our staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist families throughout the donation process. Please call us at 888-774-4438 toll free or 520-575-5200 for more information.

American Geriatrics Society
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a not-for-profit organization of close to 6,000 health professionals devoted to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people.

LifeLegacy Foundation
LifeLegacy Foundation was established in 1997 as the first and only federally approved 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization that is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks.

NAPGCM
National Association of Geriatric Care Managers’ mission is to advance professional geriatric care management through education, collaboration, and leadership.